Involved in a Car Accident? Don’t Make These 10 Common Mistakes!

Car-accident

It may or may not have been your fault, but now you’re looking at a couple of wrecked cars with injuries on your body and a crowd around you. It’s easy to lose your head, start a fight with another driver and open a world of legal problems for yourself. Don’t do that.

Knowing the right approach and keeping a cool head could save you from a lot of trouble. And as difficult as this may seem, this is the best way to deal with the situation. So what should you avoid doing if you’re involved in a car accident? Take a look.

Not Taking Pictures

The moments following a car accident are your best chance to gather evidence so you can use it later. You can use the photos to prove the other driver’s fault and the damages caused by the accident. If you don’t take pictures at the scene of the accident, you will have a harder time proving your case later.

Not Calling an Accident Lawyer

You may feel like you don’t need a lawyer because the accident wasn’t your fault. But an experienced car accident lawyer can help you in many ways. They can help you deal with the insurance company, gather evidence, and build a strong case. And if the other driver is trying to blame you for the accident, a lawyer can also help you protect your rights. 

Other ways an accident lawyer can help you include:

  • Consulting with medical experts to determine the extent of your injuries
  • Calculating the value of your damages
  • Filing a lawsuit on your behalf.

Learn more about what to do after a car accident.

Failing to Exchange Information

After a car accident, you must exchange information with the other driver. This includes your name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. If the other driver refuses to give you this information, call the police.

Not Calling the Police

You should always call the police, especially if the car accident is serious, or there’s any dispute about who is at fault. The police will document the details and file a traffic accident report. This document can be used in court, and it might be requested by your insurance company to begin a claim.

Admitting Fault

Even if you think you may be at fault for the accident, don’t admit that in front of the other driver or the police. If you do, it will be very difficult to later prove that you weren’t actually at fault.

Not Getting Medical Treatment

You must get medical treatment immediately if you’re injured in a car accident. Even if your injuries seem minor, seeing a doctor is still a good idea. That’s because some injuries, such as whiplash, may not show up immediately. By getting prompt medical treatment, you can document your injuries and start the road to recovery.

Not Documenting Your Expenses

If you’re injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. But to get this compensation, you will need to document your expenses. So keep track of all your medical bills, receipts, and other documentation.

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. So don’t be surprised if the insurance company tries to low-ball you with their first settlement offer. If you accept this offer, you could get much less than you deserve. Instead, have your lawyer negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Failing to Read Your Insurance Policy

Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. So you must read and understand your policy. Otherwise, you could be denied coverage when you need it the most.

Not Keeping a Cool Head

It’s easy to get upset after a car accident. But it’s important to stay calm and avoid saying or doing anything that could worsen the situation. If you lose your temper, you could say something that hurts your case or makes you look bad. The other party can also record your reaction and use it against you. So take a deep breath and try to remain calm.

Final Word

Avoid these common mistakes if you’re involved in a car accident. Taking the right steps can protect your rights and get the justice you deserve.

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of The World Financial Review.